An essay on criticism; as it regards design, thought, and expression, in prose and verse, by the author of the Critical history of England

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J. Pemberton, 1728 - 94 pages
 

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Page 11 - What tho' nor real voice nor sound, Amid their radiant orbs be found! In reason's ear they all rejoice, And utter forth a glorious voice : For ever singing as they shine, "•• The hand that made us is Divine.
Page 42 - Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage. Far off from these, a slow and silent stream, Lethe, the river of oblivion, rolls...
Page 55 - But silently a gentle tear let fall From either eye, and wip'd them with her hair; Two other precious drops that ready stood, Each in their crystal sluice, he ere they fell Kiss'd, as the gracious signs of sweet remorse And pious awe, that fear'd to have offended.
Page 30 - Our general taste in England is for epigram, turns of wit, and forced conceits, which have no manner of influence either for the bettering or enlarging the mind of him who reads them, and have been carefully avoided by the greatest writers, both among the ancients and moderns.
Page 46 - French critics, has taken pains to show that it is impossible for any thought to be beautiful which is not just, and has not its foundation in the nature of things ; that the basis of all wit is truth ; and that no thought can be valuable of which good sense is not the groundwork.
Page 10 - Who is this that darkeneth counsel By words without knowledge? Gird up thy loins like a man ; For I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding.
Page 31 - Underneath this stone doth lie As much virtue as could die ; Which, when alive, did vigour give To as much beauty as could live.
Page 52 - Well-sounding verses are the charm we use, Heroic thoughts and virtue to infuse : Things of deep sense we may in prose unfold, But they move more in lofty numbers told. By the loud trumpet, which our courage aids, We learn that sound, as well as sense, persuades. The Muses...

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